Eliminating Racism

“We cannot solve the problem of poverty ... unless we honestly unravel the complex and continuing connection between poverty and race.” Alan Jenkins

Shifting attitudes about those who experience poverty is an integral piece of poverty elimination. The startling fact is that Aboriginal people and those of a visible minority are grossly overrepresented in the total number of people who live in poverty. A United Nations expert explains how poverty and racism are inextricably linked, ‘racial or ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by poverty, and the lack of education, adequate housing and health care transmits poverty from generation to generation and perpetuates racial prejudices and stereotypes in their regard’.

Our EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy has adopted a human rights approach lens to solving poverty. We must affirm the basic human rights and freedoms of all Edmontonians to participate in the civil, cultural, political, social and economic dimensions of society. The reality is that racist beliefs, attitudes and behaviors inhibit people’s ability to fully engage in our amazing city.